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Hitting the Pause Button! 5 Strategies for Reducing Stress and Learning to Rest

By Kelly · 23 Comments

Hit Pause 5 Ways to Reduce Stress

It’s February. It’s flu season. And frankly, we’ve had our share of wintertime chills and thrills around here, including all of us battling the flu, which surprisingly resulted in me developing pneumonia. Ugh!

It’s definitely been a long time since I’ve been this sick, which made me puzzled about what’s up? Bad flu season for sure, but could I have done something more to avoid getting so sick?

I found myself thinking … maybe if I had just eaten more perfectly, or had used essential oils more often, or had taken more supplements, or maybe …

Maybe, I just need to learn to hit the ‘pause’ button?

Personally, after spending a week in bed with the flu, followed by another week in bed with pneumonia, I’ve decided there’s one thing in particular that most of us neglect when it comes to our health – REST!

And by that, I mean resting both the body and mind by making it a priority to reduce the stress in our daily lives.

We’re busy people with busy lives and busy kids. Busy schedules rule our world. The calendar is crammed, the ‘to-do’ is too long and we often get into a cycle of constant activity that can lead to stress.

And when we’re stressed, we tend not to rest, which is what our bodies and minds need most.

Instead, we keep running the race at an ever-escalating pace – trying to ‘do’ even more to alleviate those feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed out.

I know that’s what happened to me. I got caught in the vicious cycle of “too much to do and too little time to do it.” My constant on-the-go, must-do-everything lifestyle is what I blame for my recent health implosion, which led to a new recipe I’m hoping you never create …

Recipe for Disaster

Ingredients:
• 1 part too little sleep (be sure to get less than 5 hours per night)
• 1 part no rest (do not stop to rest in any form or fashion)
• 2 parts stress (keep piling on more, you’ll find the time somehow)

Instructions:
Mix these together, and keep mixing, and mixing, until you collapse. Enjoy!

10361331_10153845694909897_420223957285532849_nThe above recipe really works! But I seriously do not recommend it. See, here’s a pretty picture of me lying in a ball of hurt at the local urgent care while they run around trying to decide whether or not to admit me to the hospital. It’s not a picture I’m proud of, and not because I’m having a bad hair day.

It’s because I know how important rest is to maintain good health, and yet, I stubbornly thought I could just keep plowing away and take time to rest later. (Um, I think we can see that’s not a good idea.)

My point in sharing this is that I know that the majority of you sweet friends reading this are probably doing the same thing. Maybe not with as much reckless abandon as I’ve been … but still … you probably aren’t making “rest” a priority in your life, are you? Let’s be honest.

To promote good health and well-being, our bodies and minds need daily periods of REST, which comes not only from adequate sleep, but also from reducing stress in our lives so that we’re not living in a constant state of red alert.

So how do we hit the pause button?

5 Strategies for Reducing Stress and Learning to Rest

Below are five strategies I’m employing to reduce the stress in my life and make rest more of a priority. These aren’t the only methods for reducing stress and creating a more balanced lifestyle, but they are a great place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure how you can possibly find time in your schedule to rest.

1. Calendar Control
Rather than have our calendars rule us, we need to keep a tight reign on our calendars. Easier said than done, I know! But it has to happen so we can focus on what’s truly important, as well as reduce stress in order to safeguard our health.

Blocking out time for daily quiet time and family time has to be a priority that we schedule first in order for it to actually happen. Otherwise, those open blocks of time will always be filled with other seemingly urgent tasks that steal time away from what’s truly important.

2. Learning to Say NO!
Of course, taking control of our calendars often means learning to say no. That can be hard when there are so many good things that we feel we should to say yes to. But if we say yes to too many things, then we end up having to compromise in not being able to do everything with excellence, and we may end up compromising our health as well.

That’s why I appreciate these two posts from The Better Mom – “Saying No to 100 Things” and “When Saying No is the Best Thing You Can Do.” These posts have helped me to see the wisdom in learning to say no. I hope these posts minister to your heart as well, if saying no is something you struggle with too.

3. Daily Quiet Time
Quiet TimeAs I’m learning to take control of my calendar, I’ve committed to making sure that each day I’ve scheduled time to quiet my body and mind through daily meditation on God’s Word and in prayer. This daily period of quiet time amid the chaos of day-to-day life not only helps me to hit the pause button, even more important, it brings me closer to God.

Personally, the times I’ve been the most overwhelmed, stressed and anxious, have been the times that I’ve found myself chasing after what I thought was best, rather than seeking God’s will for my life. Daily quiet time with the Lord reminds me that He is our refuge, and He promises to lift us up on wings like eagles and give us the strength and grace we need to accomplish everything He sets before us, whether big or small.

4. Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Not only is the right amount of sleep important for feeling alert and energized, it’s also the key to good health in general. Many health benefits result from consistently getting a good night’s sleep, including less stress, reduced inflammation, increased mental acuity, better mood, an improved immune system, and a healthier metabolism.

Experts say adults should aim for 7-9 hours each night. I’ve found that one of the most important factors is to keep your bedtime and wake-up time consistent. This healthy habit helps stabilize your body’s natural circadian rhythm, which not only impacts your sleep-wake cycle, but also influences hormone release, body temperature, cell regeneration, and other important biological functions.

5. Be Present: Enjoy Your Real Life!
How many times do we zip through the day constantly staring at a screen? This alternate realm of existence – texting, social media, emails, blogs – is not only time consuming, it’s mentally exhausting! And, it often hinders us from enjoying the real people right in front of us.

That’s why it’s so important to Look Up! Online friends are great, but we need to make a conscience commitment to taking a break from technology, so we don’t miss out on connecting with the in-real-life friends and family around us. I’m sure you’ll find, just like I have, that you’ll experience far less stress and a lot more joy as you turn off the electronics and tune in to real life.

Walking with My Family

Finding balance is a process…

I wish there was a magic formula for maintaining a healthy balanced life, but achieving the right balance looks different for each person, although I do firmly believe that reducing stress and finding more time for rest are certainly key aspects in the process.

Personally, since following the above five strategies, I’ve gone from feeling completely overwhelmed and stressed-out, to experiencing more peace, hope and joy, as well as much more gratitude.

I’m learning once again, that reducing stress is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle! And of course, that daily resting in God and His promises benefits the mind, body and soul!

My hope is that you’ll join me in hitting the pause button, and making time to rest your mind and body more of a priority in your busy life too!

Wishing you peace, joy and good health, Kelly

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Top 20 Reader Favorites of 2014

By Kelly · 8 Comments

2014 Reader Favorites of The Nourishing Home

As we get ready to start a Healthy New Year, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you for making 2014 such a deliciously fun year here at The Nourishing Home.

I’ve really enjoyed being able to share some of my family’s favorite gluten-free, grain-free recipes and meal plans, as well as lots of healthy living tips, cooking tips-n-techniques, frugal budgeting ideas, and overall encouragement and resources to help us all live a more nourished life!

So I thought it would be fun to celebrate another great year, by taking a quick look back at some of the most popular posts of 2014. And, I’d love to get your opinion on how I can better serve you in 2015 via my Annual Reader Survey & Giveaway (see details below).

Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes of 2014

Garlic-Thyme-Chicken-Crockpot
Crockpot Garlic Thyme Chicken
This garlic-lovers’ dream was the highest viewed recipe post of 2014.
And what’s not to love? It’s quick, easy, frugal and delicious!

Cinnamon-Apple-Breakfast-Porridge-Close-Up
Cinnamon-Apple Breakfast Porridge
Little did I know when I confessed my adoration for this scrumptious
grain-free porridge that it would soon become one of your favorites too!

Slow-Cooker-Roasted-Herb-Chicken
Slow Cooker Roast Chicken
Slow cooker recipes are hands-down some of the top reader
favorite recipes. And this simple savory chicken recipe makes
gathering around the table for Sunday dinner a snap!

granola-spoon-closeup
How to Make Grain-Free Granola
Yes indeed, readers far and wide agree, one crunchy bite is all it takes
to become completely smitten with this grain free granola!

Almost-Oatmeal-Cookies-grain-free
Almost Oatmeal Cookies
What a thrill it was to celebrate the completion of my new cookbook with you
by sharing this scrumptious grain-free “oatmeal” cookie
recipe that has become the 5th most viewed post of 2014.

Homemade-Jam
How to Make Honey-Sweetened Fruit Preserves
This simple method for making delightful honey sweetened fruit preserves
created quite a stir as one of the most pinned posts of 2014.

How-to-Make-Greek-Style-Yogurt-no-straining-DF-option
How to Make Whole Milk & Coconut Milk Yogurt
Like me, bunches of you were excited to finally discover a way to achieve
thick, creamy yogurt without all the extra effort and fuss of straining.

Slow-Cooker-Bone-Broth
How to Make Slow Cooker Bone Broth
“How to…” posts definitely topped the list of reader favorites in 2014,
and I have no doubt that this easy slow cooker method
for making bone broth will remain a top favorite in 2015 as well.

Fresh-Caprese-with-Zoodles-Close-Up
Fresh Caprese with Zoodles
As you most likely know, I’m a huge fan of spiralizing!
So I was especially excited to find that many of you are too, as evidenced
by this top viewed post in the Oodles of Zoodles Spiralizing Series.

Secret-Ingredient-Guacamole-The-Tastiest-Easiest-Guac-Ever
Secret Ingredient Guacamole
The secret is out and is apparently being shared across the globe, since this
tasty guacamole recipe made the list of the top 10 reader favorite recipes of 2014.

Top 5 Reader Favorite Posts of 2014

EverydayGrainFreeBaking
Everyday Grain-Free Baking
A year in the making, I’ve been so excited to share this labor of love
that was written for everyday families like yours and mine. My mission in
writing this beautiful book was not only to provide a wealth of delicious
gluten-free, grain-free baking recipes, but to also inspire families
to gather around the table together to share fond memories and family traditions
that the whole family can enjoy whether they’re GF or not!

Learn-How-to-Spiralize
How to Spiralize in 3 Easy Steps!
Apparently my obsession with spiralizing is shared by lots of you as well!
And that’s a great thing since spiralizing is a delicious and nutritious way
to get more veggies on your family’s plate. 

Whole30-Change-Your-Life-One-Healthy-Bite-at-a-Time
Ready to Jumpstart Your Health: Join Me for Whole30
There were so many of you who joined me for Whole30 in the fall,
and it’s my hope that you’ll join me again starting January 18, 2015!
Resolve to take this life-changing quest, as together we hit the “reset’ button
and get back on track with our healthy living goals in the New Year!

Pantry
Tips for Transitioning to a GF Lifestyle
As someone who knows just how overwhelming the prospect of eliminating
gluten (and grains) can be, I wrote this post to provide help and encouragement,
which I’m so happy many of you have found here at The Nourishing Home.

Best-Grocery-Budget-Tips
Top 10 Grocery Budget Tips of 2014
There were so many great budgeting posts this year from budget expert, Tiffany
from Don’t Waste the Crumbs. Thankfully, she’s put together the top 10 budget tips
of the year into one fantastic post to make it even easier for you save BIG!

Top 5 All-Time Reader Favorites!

It would be silly not to mention a few of the All-Time Reader Favorites – after all, these “oldies but goodies” consistently rank among the highest viewed posts at The Nourishing Home:
• Fluffy Little Almond Flour Pancakes
• Mock-KIND Fruit & Nut Bars
• Emeril’s Essence Seasoning Blend
• Mastering Meal Planning
• Cook Once, Eat Twice or More

So … did your family’s favorite recipes and posts make the top 20 list? If not, what’s your favorite recipe or post here at The Nourishing Home?

Amazon gift cardYour opinion matters! Enter the 2014 Reader Survey Giveaway!

I love hearing from reader-friends like you! So if you’ve got a minute to spare, I’d truly appreciate your input on how I can better serve you in 2015.

Simply share your two cents by completing my Quick-n-Easy 2014 Reader Survey and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! But don’t delay, the survey and giveaway ends on Sunday, January 11, 2015. Thank you for sharing your valued opinion!

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Meals Made Simple: Photo Tour & Book Review

By Kelly · Leave a Comment

mmsimple-240x300

A few weeks ago, I received an amazing gift – Danielle Walker’s Meals Made Simple. It has been such a special blessing to me, especially since this summer was so difficult and I wasn’t eating as well as I should. That’s why I recently started the Whole30 program – in an effort to hit the “reset” button and get back on track with my health.

So when Danielle’s beautiful new cookbook arrived, it truly was God’s perfect timing! I’ve been so excited to share this helpful new resource with you and so I’ve put together a little photo tour of why this book is so special to me!

Yet, before I launch into my absolute adoration of Danielle and begin gushing over her amazing new cookbook, I wanted to first share just a little with you about why she has been such a huge inspiration to me personally, and to so many others who struggle with chronic health issues.

As many of you know, in the spring of 2012, I made the commitment to go gluten-free in an effort to better manage my chronic autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses. And although I did see a huge improvement in my health, I still continued to struggle with recurrent episodes of painful digestive issues and fatigue. It wasn’t until the Lord graciously let me on a path of discovering the grain-free lifestyle that my health truly made a dramatic turn for the better.

As a result of the knowledge shared by many talented grain-free bloggers like Danielle at Against All Grain, I learned how the grain-free lifestyle was radically transforming lives by helping so many who were suffering (just like me, and many of you) to find relief and hope!

Personally, I find that to be the most endearing quality about Danielle – her passion for sharing hope. She has a real gift for encouraging and inspiring others by sharing her personal health struggles and her talent for making grain-free living so incredibly delicious and simple that you truly do not feel like you’re missing out on anything.

Meals Made Simple Review

So that’s why I have been an avid fan of Danielle’s and was so excited to purchase her first book Against All Grain, you can read my review of her first book here. Then just one year later, she far surpassed the bar she raised with Against All Grain in bringing us another soon to be NY Times Best Seller – Meals Made Simple.

What I love about Meals Made Simple is that it completely lives up to its name. Each of Danielle’s recipes are simple, yet delicious and best of all – they’re family-friendly too! What better way can I express how much I love this book, then to give you a little photo tour that highlights just a few of my favorite recipes and helpful features of this amazing grain-free cookbook.

As a busy mom and wife herself, Danielle knows firsthand that we could all use more simple healthy recipes for easy weeknight cooking. So she pulled out all of the stops and has delivered more than 100 delicious and nutritious recipes that include everything from simple comfort foods to easy-to-make gourmet delights.

Meals Made Simple Review Meal Plan

But the wonderful thing is … she doesn’t just stop there! Instead, (as shown above) Danielle also includes an 8-week dinner meal plan with shopping lists, quick meals, and make-ahead meals to help us save time, money and stress. (You know how much I love meal planning!) She also includes her personal tips for managing a food budget, stocking the pantry, and lots of other helpful tips & tidbits that make cooking and planning meals a snap!

Photo Tour of Meals Made Simple

Shown above are a few of my favorite recipes from Meals Made Simple. With more than 100 delicious recipes, it isn’t an easy task to pair down my favorites list to just a handful, but for the sake of time, below are just a few of our very favorites!

Breakfasts – Danielle shares a bunch of delicious breakfast ideas, but my favorite by far is her section on quick & healthy egg scrambles. She provides so many great ideas for whipping up tasty, healthy egg dishes – I promise you’ll never get bored with eggs again!

Salads – I must admit, I’m not a huge salad fan, unless they are truly hearty. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Danielle’s salad recipes to be a meal in themselves. Especially her amazing Buffalo Chicken Salad. Oh my, it’s truly remarkable! Even the strapping young lads in my home loved it.

Dinners – My family can attest, there really hasn’t been a single dinner of Danielle’s that we haven’t enjoyed. But our hands-down favorite so far is her spicy, flavorful Chicken Verde. I love that I can pop it in the slow cooker and come home to a delicious dinner ready for my whole family to enjoy.

Sides – As I’ve made my way along the grain-free path, I’ve often found myself craving rice. It’s really the only grain that I miss and one that I’ve been reluctant to replace. So when I saw Danielle’s section on how to make a variety of cauliflower “rice” dishes, I was a bit skeptical. But thank goodness my curiosity was greater than my doubt, because I truly enjoyed this newfound alternative – especially her flavorful Saffron Cauli-Rice.

Zoodles (a.k.a. veggie pasta) – Yes! You know my passion for spiralizing, as evidenced by my How to Spiralize Series this past spring. Well, I’d never have thought to create Pepperoni Pizza Pasta, but thank goodness Danielle did. This crazy-good recipe captures all the flavor of a meat-lovers pizza.

Desserts – Anything lemon immediately catches my eye, since I adore its tangy citrusy flavor. I’ve been wanting to create a grain-free lemon pudding cake recipe for months, but there’s simply no need to now. Danielle’s light and luscious Lemon Curd Cake is a delicious dream come true!

A Treat for the Eyes – Of course, I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention Danielle’s amazing talent for food photography. As you flip through Meals Made Simple, it’s like being transported into real foodie heaven where each recipe looks absolutely divine. So perhaps the only drawback to this book is that it may leave you (like it did me) feeling a bit overwhelmed in not knowing which recipe you should to make first! So, I decided that I will just enjoying making them ALL! Problem solved.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of a few of my favorites from Meals Made Simple and that it’s helped you to see what a wonderful resource this book truly is! Of course, you can always take a more extensive peek at Danielle’s Meals Made Easy cookbook on Amazon using the “Look Inside” feature.

Meals Made Simple Review2

If you are living gluten-free, grain-free or simply want to reduce your carbohydrate intake and eat healthier, Danielle’s Meals Made Simple cookbook is a helpful, practical resource full of delicious, easy-to-make recipes. I simply cannot recommend this beautiful, helpful book more!

Thanks, Danielle, for sharing your God-given talents with us. You truly are a blessing and are making a tremendous difference in so many lives!

And thank you, dear readers, for allowing me to share yet another wonderful healthy lifestyle resource to help you in living a more nourished life!

P.S. If you’d like to join me on a 30-day whole food grain-free journey, be sure to check out my post “Ready to Jumpstart Your Health: Join Me for Whole30.” This post outlines how you can take charge of your health and discover the many benefits of the grain-free lifestyle. So please join me!

Disclosure: Although I received a free copy of Meals Made Simple from the publisher, as always the review above is based on my honest, personal opinion of this book. By choosing to purchase this book through one of the Amazon affiliate links in this post, The Nourishing Home will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this ministry!

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My New Cookbook is Here!

Welcome to The Nourishing Home!

I’m so glad you’re here and want you to feel right at home! My heart in creating this blog is to help you by sharing helpful meal planning strategies and nourishing GF recipes that are healthy, easy and delicious with thanksgiving to God! [Read More …]







All content (recipes, photos, posts, etc.) on this site is the creative property of Kelly Smith. You are welcome to share a photo via social media, as long as it contains a link back to the corresponding recipe or post from this site. However, you may not republish a recipe in its entirety in any form. For questions, or for permission to use a photo or recipe, please contact me via email at [email protected] Thank you!

Please Note: All content (recipes, photos, text, etc.) on this site is the creative property of Kelly Smith of The Nourishing Home. You are welcome to share a photo via social media, as long as it contains a link back to the corresponding recipe from this site. However, re-publishing a recipe in any form is strictly prohibited. Additionally, please refrain from adapting recipes without properly linking back to the original recipe, and keep in mind that simple substitutions do not constitute an adapted or original recipe. For details regarding recipe copyright law, please visit the Food Blog Alliance.
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